Protective Case with a Deployable Stand

ABSTRACT

A case to protect and to support a device at various viewing angles is disclosed. The case comprises a recess on a backside to house a stand assembly, which transitions between a collapsed configuration and a plurality of deployed configurations. The base of the recess comprises a flexible island with a slit gap encircling a majority of its circumference. The stand assembly can be secured at a plurality of locations via tension between its sliding member and the island. A plurality of receiving slots can be configured onto the top surface of the island to further enhance stability. The stand assembly encompasses a range of operation between 0 to 175+ degrees from a completely collapsed to a fully extended configuration.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of an U.S. Utility application Ser.No. 17/686,912 filed on Mar. 4, 2022, which claims priority to an U.S.Provisional Application No. 63/291,279 filed on Dec. 17, 2021, which ishereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure, in some embodiments thereof, relates to amechanism to secure and to adjust a stand, so that a surface protectedand supported by the stand can be viewed at various angles. Morespecifically, the present specification discloses a case with anadjustable stand assembly for a portable computing device.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Portable computing devices such as a tablet or a phone often needs to beoriented properly and propped up securely for viewing with comfort.Various types of support, such as a pop socket, can be attached to aprotective case for this particular purpose. The present disclosure isfor a stand assembly that is configured as part of the caseintrinsically. No additional attachment is needed. In a fully collapsedconfiguration, the stand assembly nestles within a recess on a backsideof the case. In an opened configuration, the stand assembly offers arange of operation encompassing 0 to slightly over 175 degrees. The caseand the deployable stand disclosed in the present specification caneasily be repurposed for protecting and viewing objects other than acomputing device.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure, in some embodiments thereof, relates to amechanism to secure and to adjust a stand, so that a surface protectedand supported by the stand can be viewed at various angles. Morespecifically, the present specification discloses a case with anadjustable stand assembly for a portable computing device.

In a variant, the protective case comprises a protective rim configuredto enclose and to capture at least a portion of an object's main bodyand its perimeter. A recess is configured on a backside of the case tohouse a stand assembly, which transitions among a completely collapsedconfiguration and a plurality of deployed configurations. The standassembly comprises a first member with an upper edge encompassing anentire width of the recess. Two end portions of the upper edge areconfigured to latch onto and slide within corresponding tracks alongboth sidewalls of the recess at a first region. A second member isrotatably coupled with the first member and is rotatably anchored ontosides of the recess at a second region opposing that of the first. Therecess further comprises an island situated around a central regionalong its base surface, with a slit gap encircling a majority of theisland's circumference. In the completely collapsed configuration,rotational angle between the first and second members returns to zero,and both members are housed within the recess. In the plurality ofdeployed configurations, the end portions of the upper edge of the firstmember slide along the side walls so that a central portion of the upperedge transitions among a plurality of receiving positions over theisland.

In another variant, the slit gap encircles a majority circumference ofthe island, separating it from the base surface of the recess, except ata preset location where the island is connected to the base surface ofthe recess.

In yet another variant, the island takes a profile of a mound with apreset thickness in its central region greater than that of the basesurface of the recess, and gradually tapers thin towards its edges.

In still another variant, the plurality of receiving positions areconfigured in shapes of receiving slots, the receiving slots are inparallel to one another, as well as in parallel to the upper edge of thefirst member of the stand assembly.

In a variant, the upper edge of the first member of the stand assemblyfurther comprises a snap with a profile in complimentary to that of thereceiving positions.

In another variant, the first and second members of the stand assembleare coupled to rotate with respect to one another via a shaft.

In yet another variant, the second member of the stand assembly furthercomprises a handle.

In still another variant, the stand assembly encompasses a range ofoperation between 0 to 175+ degrees from a completely collapsed to afully extended configuration.

Other features and aspects of the disclosure will become apparent fromthe following detailed description, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of examples, thefeatures in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure, The summaryis not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is definedsolely by the claims attached hereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The present disclosure, in accordance with one or more variousembodiments, is described in detail with reference to the followingfigures. The drawings are provided for purposes of illustration only andto merely depict typical or example embodiments of the disclosure. Thesedrawings are provided to facilitate the reader's understanding of thedisclosure and shall not be considered limiting of the breadth, scope,or applicability of the disclosure. It should be noted that for clarityand ease of illustration these drawings are not necessarily made toscale.

Some of the figures included herein illustrate various embodiments ofthe disclosure from different viewing angles. Although the accompanyingdescriptive text may refer to such views as “top,” “bottom” or “side”views, such references are merely descriptive and do not imply orrequire that the disclosure be implemented or used in a particularspatial orientation unless explicitly stated otherwise.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a case with a stand in an opened andsecured position.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a case with the stand in a completelyclosed position nestled within a recess on a backside of the case.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the recess on a backside of the casewith the stand removed.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the stand in an opened position byitself.

FIG. 5 is a perspective sectional view along a sagittal plane (alongline 5-5 in FIG. 1 ) of the case with the stand in an exemplary openedposition.

FIG. 6 is perspective sectional view along a sagittal plane (along line5-5 in FIG. 1 ) of the case with the stand in another exemplary openedposition.

FIG. 7 illustrates a sequence of two-dimensional (2D) sectional views ofthe stand encompassing a range of opened positions.

FIG. 8 a illustrates a portion of a sectional view of a flexible islandalong a sagittal plane.

FIG. 8 b illustrates a portion of a sectional view of a flexible islandalong a transversal plane.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view along a transversal plane (along line 9-9 inFIG. 3 ) of the case illustrating an island with spacing on both sides.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of the island by itself.

FIG. 11 shows a left and a right side views thereof.

FIGS. 12 a and 12 b are a side and a corresponding perspective view ofthe stand secured at an end position.

FIGS. 13 a and 13 b are a side and a corresponding perspective view ofthe stand secured at a second anchoring slot.

FIGS. 14 a and 14 b are a side and a corresponding perspective view ofthe stand secured at a first anchoring slot.

FIGS. 15 a and 15 b illustrate an island with a single or a plurality ofanchoring slots.

FIGS. 16 a, 16 b, and 16 c illustrate exemplary variations in shape foran island.

The figures are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosureto the precise form disclosed. It should be understood that thedisclosure can be practiced with modification and alteration, and thatthe disclosure be limited only by the claims and the equivalentsthereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

The description and/or disclosure that follow comprise illustrativesystems, methods, techniques, sequence instructions, and computingmachine program products that embody illustrative embodiments. In thefollowing description, for purpose of explanation, numerous specificdetails are set forth in order to provide an understanding of variousembodiments of the inventive subject matter.

From time-to-time, the present disclosure is described herein in termsof example environments. Description in terms of these environments isprovided to allow the various features and of the disclosure to beportrayed in the context of an exemplary application. It will beevident, however, to one of ordinary skill in the art how the disclosurecan be implemented in different and in alternative environments, with orwithout specific details. In general, well-known instruction instances,protocols, structures, and techniques have not been shown in greatdetail.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of ordinary skillin the art to which this disclosure belongs. All patents, applications,published applications and other publications referred to herein areincorporated by reference in their entirety. If a definition set forthin this section is contrary to or otherwise inconsistent with adefinition set forth in applications, published applications and otherpublications that are herein incorporated by reference, the definitionset forth in this document prevails over the definition that isincorporated herein by reference.

The present disclosure, in some embodiments thereof, relates to amechanism to secure and to adjust a stand, so that a surface supportedby the stand can be viewed at various angles.

FIGS. 1-4 illustrate several perspective views of a first embodiment ofa case and a stand assembly, with components in combination or inisolation thereof. FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a case, or aprotective sleeve, 100 from behind, according to some embodiments of thepresent disclosure. A housing region 102, in a form of a recess, isconfigured onto the back surface of the case 100. A stand assembly 110,comprising a first member 104 set at an angle with a second member 106,supports the case. The first and second member of the stand can rotatewith respect to each other. FIG. 2 illustrates an instance where anangle of rotation between the two members approaches 0 degree, and theybecome coplanar to one another. The second member 106 is largelyenclosed within an arch region 406 of the first member 104. We refer tothe state of the stand assembly as closed or fully collapsed, in thisconfiguration. Length, width, and depth of the housing recess 102 areconfigured to compliment and to enclose the stand assembly 110 in acollapsed configuration. The outer surface of the stand assembly in FIG.2 sits flush with the rest of the back surface of the case 100.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the housing recess 102 with thestand assembly 110 completely removed, exposing its base surface 304. Apair of narrow and elongated tracks 302 a and 302 b is configured alongsides of the housing recess 102 on the base surface 304. An island (orpeninsular) 108 extends or bulges out of a central region from the basesurface 304. The island comprises a preset thickness greater than thatof the base surface 304. Although at least a portion of the island 108flows out as a natural extension of the base surface 304, it is largelysurrounded by a slit gap 306. Gap 306 allows the island 108 someflexibility to make small movements, forward and/or backward, so as todeviate from a coplanar position with the base surface 304. Details andcross sections will be illustrated in a later section.

FIG. 4 illustrates the stand assembly 110 on its own. Transparency isintroduced to show inner structures with greater details. Transparencyof the stand assembly, or of the case, is not a limiting factor, and canbe modified for esthetic purposes. First member of the stand assembly104 comprises a main body and two leg portions 404 a and 404 b extendingaway to form an arch region 406. Second member 106 of the stand assemblyis largely enclosed between two leg portions of the first member 104.Both members are connected at and are configured to be able to rotatewith respect to each other along coaxial shafts 408 a, 415, and 408 b.Second member 106 also comprises a pair of pegs 419 a and 419 b, whichare rotatably anchored onto the sides of the recess housing 102 at baselocations 319 a and 319 b respectively (FIG. 3 ). Second member 106 canbe configured as a single piece 413 or with an extended handle portion411. The handle portion 411 is designed to facilitate the operation ofthe stand assembly by hand. An exemplary configuration is shown in FIG.4 with a bend or an indentation to allow some space for a finger.Texture can also be implemented to improve grip.

Top edge 400 of the first member 104 of the stand assembly furthercomprises two pegs 402 a and 402 b on both ends. These two pegs arefitted into tracks 302 a and 302 b (FIG. 3 ), and are able to slide upand down the entire length of the tracks. When the handle portion 411 islifted upwards or downwards, rotational movements are initiated aroundshafts 415 and 417, and in turn push pegs 402 a and 402 b along theirrespective tracks in translational movements. The stand assembly 110returns to a closed configuration when the angle between the two membersapproaches 0 degree, as shown in FIG. 2

Two exemplary three-dimensional (3D) sectional views of the case and thestand assembly are shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 . The case is fitted around acomputing tablet 80 as an example. The sectional views are roughly takenalong a sagittal plane marked between 5-5 in FIG. 1 . When handle 411 islifted upwards, second member 106 rotates with respect to the base ofthe housing recess 102 around shaft 417. The second member 106 alsorotates with respect to the first member 104 around shaft 415. These tworotations simultaneously drag the first member 104 via peg 402 b alongtrack 302 b. In opened configurations as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 ,two members of the stand assembly, 104 and 106, and the base of thehousing recess 304 form a triangle, which in turn props up the object itenclosed at an angle with respect to its resting surface, whetherhorizontally or vertically.

FIG. 7 illustrates a sequence of two-dimensional (2D) sectional views ofthe stand encompassing a range of opened positions. Angle theta (θ)between two members of the stand assembly, 104 and 106, comprises arange from 0 degree (closed configuration shown in FIG. 2 ) to slightlymore than 175 degrees, which was shown in the bottom figure in FIG. 7 .We refer to the stand assembly in this configuration as in its fullextension. An upward facing example of the stand assembly in fullextension is also shown in FIG. 12 a.

A stand assembly covering a range from 0 to 175 degrees is disclosedabove. The stand assembly, however, also needs to be stopped and securedat various locations within the range, so that a surface it supports canbe fixed at any angle as desired. This function is achieved via anisland or a bulge 108, configured around a central region on the basesurface 304 of the housing recess 102. Enlarged cross sectional views ofthe island region are illustrated in FIGS. 8 a and 8 b . FIG. 8 a showsa 2D sagittal plane view along line 5-5 from FIG. 1 . FIG. 8 b shows a2D transversal plane view along 9-9 from FIG. 3 . Sectional views of theisland with respect to the base surface 304, to the housing recess 102,as well as to the entire case 100 can be appreciated in FIGS. 5-7, and 9.

For an exemplary rectangular shaped island 108, only one of its fouredges is connected to, or as a natural extension of the base surface 304as shown in FIG. 8 a . A gap 306 is configured to surround the rest ofthe edges of the island 108 (FIG. 3 ). For instance, in a sagittal viewin FIG. 8 a , gap 306 is on the left edge side of the island thatopposes the connected portion on the right. In a transversal view inFIG. 8 b , gap 306 is on both side edges separating the island 108 fromthe base surface 304. Gap 306 allows the island 108 some freedom ofmovement to deviated from a coplanar position in relation to the basesurface 304. Directions of movements are illustrated via arrows in FIGS.8 a and 8 b . The island comprises some thickness greater than that ofthe base surface 304, and takes a profile of a gradual mound or a bulgewith gentle sloping towards its edges.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5-7 , the first member 104 of the stand assembly110 slides along sidetracks 302 a and 302 b via a pair of end pegs 402 aand 402 b. Top edge 400 of the first member 104 therefore, moves acrossthe base surface 304 of the housing recess 102, and also over the island108. FIG. 7 illustrates a sequence of the stand assembly's locationsencompassing the entire top surface of the island 108, all the way toits full extension position.

Island 108's dimensions in length, width, thickness, as well as itssloped mound profile and gap surrounded configuration, all contribute toproviding tension against the top edge 400 of the first member 104 as itmoves across the island. Since both end pegs 402 a and 402 b arerestricted within sidetracks 302 a and 302 b, the top edge 400 of thefirst member 104 has to push against and over the island during itsmovement across. Surrounding gap 306 provides the island 108 an idealflexible configuration to push back and to assert tension in return.

Surface of island 108, opposing top edge 400 of the first member 104,can be configured with a roughed texture to increase friction. Inprinciple, friction alone is enough to stop and to secure the standassembly at any desired angle. Rough texture, however, can becomesmoother over time, as one repeatedly open and close the stand over theisland, thus reducing its efficacy. FIGS. 10-16 introduce severalalternative embodiments to assist the securing of the stand assembly.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of an island 108 in 3D. Amajority of the island's perimeter is surround by a gap 306, separatingits main body from the base surface 304 in a housing recess 102.Receiving slots 1002 and 1004 are configured horizontally across thetops surface of the island. The receiving slots are also configured inits dimensions to couple with an optional snap 402 c along top edge 400of the first member 104 (as illustrated in FIG. 4 ). Location 1006 marksan end position of the stand assembly 110 while in its full extension.FIGS. 12-14 illustrate several exemplary orientations of the case 100 incorrespondence with the stand assembly 110, when it is secured intovarious receiving slots.

Left and right side profiles of the island 108 with receiving slots canbe viewed in FIG. 11 . Although the left and right side of the islandare illustrated as flat surfaces in this particular example, they cancertainly be configured with gradual slop as well, similar to the othertwo sides of the island. FIGS. 15 a and 15 b shows a comparison of asingle receiving slot vs. 5 receiving slots on an island. The number ofreceiving slot should not be construed as a limiting factor. FIGS. 16 a,16 b, and 16 c illustrate a variation of islands in different shapes.The island can comprise subunits that are not necessarily continuous,such as shown with a two-prong V shape in FIG. 16 c . Generallyspeaking, so long as the purpose and functionality of the island is metto secure a stand assembly, the exact shape of the island, arrangementof the receiving slots in continuity or not, or the number of receivingslots available can vary, based on need or for esthetic purpose.

The island 108, as well as the rest of the protective case and standassembly can be manufactured with materials that are strong, light, andsomewhat flexible. Materials suitable for the present disclosure mayinclude, but not limited to Thermoplastic Urethanes (TPU) andThermoplastic Elastomer (TPE), which are know for resisting wear andfading, and are relatively light in weight. A mixture of AcrylonitrileButadiene Styrene (ABS) plastic and Polycarbonate (PC) can also be used.TPU, TPS, and Silicon can also be used to provide shock resistance,since they are slightly softer.

While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been describedabove, it should be understood that they have been presented by way ofexample only, and not of limitation. Likewise, the various diagrams maydepict an example architectural or other configuration for thedisclosure, which is done to aid in understanding the features andfunctionality that can be included in the disclosure. The disclosure isnot restricted to the illustrated example architectures orconfigurations, but the desired features can be implemented using avariety of alternative architectures and configurations. Indeed, it willbe apparent to one of skill in the art how alternative functional,logical or physical partitioning and configurations can be implementedto achieve the desired features of the present disclosure. Also, amultitude of different constituent module names other than thosedepicted herein can be applied to the various partitions.

Although the disclosure is described above in terms of various exemplaryembodiments and implementations, it should be understood that thevarious features, aspects and functionality described in one or more ofthe individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to theparticular embodiments with which they are described, but instead can beapplied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more of the otherembodiments of the disclosure, whether or not such embodiments aredescribed and whether or not such features are presented as being a partof a described embodiment. Thus the breadth and scope of the presentdisclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplaryembodiments.

Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unlessotherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposedto limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term “including” shouldbe read as meaning “including, without limitation” or the like; the term“example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item indiscussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; the terms “a” or“an” should be read as meaning “at least one,” “one or more” or thelike; and adjectives such as “conventional,” “traditional,” “normal,”“standard,” “known” and terms of similar meaning should not be construedas limiting the item described to a given time period or to an itemavailable as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompassconventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may beavailable or known now or at any time in the future. Likewise, wherethis document refers to technologies that would be apparent or known toone of ordinary skill in the art, such technologies encompass thoseapparent or known to the skilled artisan now or at any time in thefuture.

A group of items linked with the conjunction “and” should not be read asrequiring that each and every one of those items be present in thegrouping, but rather should be read as “and/or” unless expressly statedotherwise. Similarly, a group of items linked with the conjunction “or”should not be read as requiring mutual exclusivity among that group, butrather should also be read as “and/or” unless expressly statedotherwise. Furthermore, although items, elements or components of thedisclosure may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural iscontemplated to be within the scope thereof unless limitation to thesingular is explicitly stated.

The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one or more,” “atleast,” “but not limited to” or other like phrases in some instancesshall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or requiredin instances where such broadening phrases may be absent.

It is appreciated that certain features of the disclosure, which are,for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may alsobe provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, variousfeatures of the disclosure, which are, for brevity, described in thecontext of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or inany suitable sub-combination or as suitable in any other describedembodiment of the disclosure. Certain features described in the contextof various embodiments are not to be considered essential features ofthose embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without thoseelements.

What is claimed is:
 1. A protective case for a computing device,comprising: a protective rim configured to enclose and to capture atleast a portion of the computing device's main body and its perimeter; arecess on a back side of the case to house a stand assembly, whichtransitions among a completely collapsed configuration and a pluralityof deployed configurations; the stand assembly comprises a first memberwith an upper edge encompassing an entire width of the recess, two endportions of the upper edge are configured to latch onto and slide withincorresponding tracks along both side walls of the recess at a firstregion; a second member rotatably coupled with the first member and isrotatably anchored onto sides of the recess at a second region opposingthat of the first region; the recess further comprises an islandsituated around a central region along its base surface, with a slit gapencircling a majority of the island's circumference; in the completelycollapsed configuration, rotational angle between the first and secondmembers returns to zero, and both members are housed within the recess;in the plurality of deployed configurations, the end portions of theupper edge of the first member slide along the side walls so that acentral portion of the upper edge transitions among a plurality ofreceiving positions over the island.
 2. The protective case for acomputing device of claim 1, wherein the slit gap encircles a majoritycircumference of the island, separating it from the base surface of therecess, except at a preset location where the island is connected to thebase surface of the recess.
 3. The protective case for a computingdevice of claim 1, wherein the island takes a profile of a mound with apreset thickness in its central region greater than that of the basesurface of the recess, and gradually tapers thin towards its edges. 4.The protective case for a computing device of claim 1, wherein theplurality of receiving positions are configured in shapes of receivingslots, the receiving slots are in parallel to one another, as well as inparallel to the upper edge of the first member of the stand assembly. 5.The protective case for a computing device of claim 1, wherein the upperedge of the first member of the stand assembly further comprises a snapwith a profile in complimentary to that of the receiving positions. 6.The protective case for a computing device of claim 1, wherein the firstand second members of the stand assemble are coupled to rotate withrespect to one another via a shaft.
 7. The protective case for acomputing device of claim 1, wherein the second member of the standassembly further comprises a handle.
 8. The protective case for acomputing device of claim 1, wherein the rotational angle between thefirst and the second member of the stand assembly is between 0 to 175degrees.
 9. The protective case for a computing device of claim 1,wherein the island further comprises subunits and clusters.
 10. Aprotective case, comprising: a protective rim configured to enclose andto capture at least a portion of an object's main body and itsperimeter; a recess on a back side of the case to house a standassembly, which transitions among a completely collapsed configurationand a plurality of deployed configurations; the stand assembly comprisesa first member with an upper edge encompassing an entire width of therecess, two end portions of the upper edge are configured to latch ontoand slide within corresponding tracks along both side walls of therecess at a first region; a second member rotatably coupled with thefirst member and is rotatably anchored onto sides of the recess at asecond region opposing that of the first region; the recess furthercomprises an island situated around a central region along its basesurface, with a slit gap encircling a majority of the island'scircumference; in the completely collapsed configuration, rotationalangle between the first and second members returns to zero, and bothmembers are housed within the recess; in the plurality of deployedconfigurations, the end portions of the upper edge of the first memberslide along the side walls so that a central portion of the upper edgetransitions among a plurality of receiving positions over the island.11. The protective case of claim 10, wherein the slit gap encircles amajority circumference of the island, separating it from the basesurface of the recess, except at a preset location where the island isconnected to the base surface of the recess.
 12. The protective case ofclaim 10, wherein the island takes a profile of a mound with a presetthickness in its central region greater than that of the base surface ofthe recess, and gradually tapers thin towards its edges.
 13. Theprotective case of claim 10, wherein the plurality of receivingpositions are configured in shapes of receiving slots, the receivingslots are in parallel to one another, as well as in parallel to theupper edge of the first member of the stand assembly.
 14. The protectivecase of claim 10, wherein the upper edge of the first member of thestand assembly further comprises a snap with a profile in complimentaryto that of the receiving positions.
 15. The protective case of claim 10,wherein the first and second members of the stand assemble are coupledto rotate with respect to one another via a shaft.
 16. The protectivecase of claim 10, wherein the second member of the stand assemblyfurther comprises a handle.
 17. The protective case of claim 10, whereinthe rotational angle between the first and the second member of thestand assembly is between 0 to 175 degrees.
 18. The protective case ofclaim 10, wherein the island further comprises subunits and clusters.